In the Flow with Healing Waters

Proper digestion is crucial for the proper function of the body.  Digestion is typically something we don’t give a lot of thought to until something isn’t working. 

Then, we can experience a broad range of unpleasant symptoms. 

So, how does digestion work?  Digestion can be briefly understood in 4 steps.

Step 1- Eating your food/Ingestion-Once you begin eating, the chewing process sends a message to your system that food is coming.  Your body then releases chemicals to help move the food through the digestive tract.  Chewing food also helps relax the stomach by producing saliva, allowing food to pass more easily into the intestines.

Step 2-Digestion-  This process is what happens when you begin swallowing the food.  It travels down the pharynx to the esophagus.  The esophagus moves it to your stomach.  The stomach walls create chemicals that break down food into nutrients.  The chemicals mix with the nutrients to form a soupy liquid.

Step 3-Nutrient Absorption- Soupy liquid mixes with juices from the pancreas, liver, and intestines.  Your small intestine walls absorb nutrients into the bloodstream as it passes through.

Step 4- Elimination-  After passing through, some food molecules cannot be digested or absorbed.  These continue through to the anus where they are eliminated.

When your digestive tract is not getting enough energy, several things can go wrong.  You may be gassy, bloated, have acid indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, or an upset stomach.  These are symptoms you are already familiar with, but did you know it can also cause hip and knee pain, sinus troubles, and anxiety?

Congested energy in the digestive system can cause seemingly unrelated symptoms.  Emotions such as worry can congest the digestive system, food sensitivities also can exacerbate existing digestive issues.  Meditation, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding trigger foods can help with digestive issues. 

In the flow,

Lisa Warman